Private philanthropy has long been a driving force behind America’s greatest medical innovations. From the discovery of the DNA double helix to the invention of the sterilized glove, medical breakthroughs have enabled Americans to live longer, healthier lives.

Advancements are backed by years of scientific inquiry, experimentation and investment, and philanthropy has often provided the critical support to move bold ideas from the laboratory to the patient. Medical innovation depends not only on the brilliance of scientists and researchers, but also on the freedom of individuals and private institutions to support or invest in discoveries they believe can improve human flourishing.

Each year, private foundations, charitable organizations and individual donors contribute billions of dollars to medical research institutions, universities, hospitals and scientific organizations. This voluntary support has become an indispensable component of America’s biomedical research ecosystem. Philanthropic funding expands the capacity of research institutions, enables scientists to pursue ambitious and high-risk ideas and often provides flexible funding traditional grant programs cannot.

Research demonstrates that philanthropic investments generate substantial social benefits by advancing scientific discovery, improving patient care and accelerating the development of new therapies and medical technologies. Private giving matters because it provides innovators with the resources, flexibility and independence to pursue discoveries that may otherwise be delayed or never developed.

Medical innovation rarely follows a predictable timeline, yet public funding priorities naturally shift with changes in administrations, budgets and political priorities. Each administration has a unique and varied view on government funding and prioritization of those funds, which has meant shifting budgets for executive agencies for each new administration.

On the other hand, private philanthropy serves as a critical source of consistency and support, giving researchers the stability and flexibility to pursue long-term projects despite changes in government funding.

Equally important, philanthropic capital can often be deployed more quickly and flexibly than traditional public funding, allowing researchers to respond to emerging scientific opportunities or emergencies. By providing flexibility, continuity and additional resources, private giving strengthens America’s capacity for medical discovery and helps translate breakthrough research into treatments that improve everyday lives.

Read the full article about private philanthropy and medical innovation by Aziza Diallo at Philanthropy Roundtable.